Samuel began fighting for his life at only six hours old. Diagnosed with Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN), he was immediately transferred to Kosair Children’s Hospital (now Norton Children’s Hospital). He was placed on oxygen to stabilize his cardio-pulmonary functions, but it was discovered, on a routine head ultrasound, that Sam had developed Intraventricular Hemorrhages (IVH). Due to this, an additional diagnosis of Post Hemorrhagic Hydrocephalus (PHH) was added, increasing Sam’s stay in the NICU.

Due to the severity of Sam’s medical issues, he began therapies in the First Steps program, which included physical, occupational, speech, and nutritional therapy. In addition, he began meeting with a specialized developmental interventionalist through Visually Impaired Preschool Services for his neurological visual disorder.

VIPS is a phenomenal service here in Louisville that is supported by Kosair Charities. They offer services for children 0-4 that are visually impaired. Sam receives tremendous support at VIPS and has made ever-increasing progress. Because of his teacher’s love, dedication and servitude, not only has Sam’s vision improved but also his sensory processing.